Reviews (8)

Highlights

• Glacier heli hike in Franz Josef
• Scenic heli flight over Franz Josef Glacier
• 2 hour hike on the glacier ice formations
• Experienced & professional guides

Description

The Westland National Park is home to one of nature’s most spectacular sights; Franz Josef Glacier has captivated all those who have come across its mighty path. The glacier itself lies in the west coastal region of New Zealand, nestled between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps; this generates breathtaking and complementary contrasts in the scenery.

The spectacular views – attained while gliding along on the chartered helicopter ride – will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty, along with the guided walk amid the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of this unspoiled ice wonderland. You will leave feeling completely satisfied – you have had a panoramic view from the air and an up close and personal feeling, walking within a natural marvel that only very few have seen.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides – who have been operating since 1990 – in combination with The Helicopter Line, offer this fantastic two-hour adventure tour. The operators of this tour have a pristine safety record, use only the best equipment and make your comfort and safety their number one priority. For the hike, you will be provided with a waterproof jacket and pants, boots, socks, jacket, crampons and an ice axe, so you only need to worry about wearing warm upper clothing and light lower clothing and you’re all set to go.

Upon landing in an area only usually seen by professional glacier hikers, your experienced and friendly guide will take you on the adventure of a lifetime. As you weave in and out of secretive ice caves and unbelievable ice formations, you will be regaled with tales of the glaciers history and geological process. Imagine the photos you will be able to take! After your amazing adventure, you will again board the helicopter for yet another picture perfect trip back to the Franz Josef Township.

Trip Includes

• 5 minute helicopter flight each way to Franz Josef icefall
• Glacier landing & pickup
• 2 hour hike among glacial ice formations with Franz Josef Glacier Guides
• Professional & experienced guides
• All equipment provided (glacier boots, socks, ice crampons, an ice axe, trekking poles, waterproof jacket, water proof over pants, a warm hat & gloves)

Duration

• Allow 3 hours (2 hours hiking on the glacier)

Departures

• Regular departures from 7:30am - 1:00pm daily
• Your tour departs from Franz Josef Glacier Guides base, Cron Street, Franz Josef
• Operates daily all year

Other Information

• Moderate fitness required to hike glacier terrain
• Minimum age is 10 years
• Please BRING THESE: warm upper body clothing (preferably 3 to 4 layers), leggings or light trousers (no jeans), sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof jacket (one will be provided if you don't have one), a warm hat and gloves if you prefer your own, PLUS a sense of fun and adventure!
• Do not bring valuables such as your wallet, car keys and passport onto the glacier, lockers are provided
• Heli Hike trips are weather-dependent, we will do our best to accommodate you, but occasionally cancellation may be unavoidable (fully refunded)
• For more adventures on Franz Josef Glacier, check out Heli Ice Climbing
• If your chosen time is unavailable please check out the incredible Fox Glacier Heli Hike

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$695.00
• Child (10-14yrs): NZD$695.00

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